April 18, 2013

Mathematical role models: Students place highly at international competition

Seven Kansas State University students have placed highly in an international mathematics competition.

The Mathematics Association of America recently announced the results of the 73rd annual Putnam Mathematical Competition, the most prestigious mathematics contest for undergraduates at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada.

The Kansas State University team finished in the top 14 percent among the 578 colleges and universities and nearly 4,300 students participating in the competition. The university had one student place in the top 13 percent of the competition: Joshua Ericson, senior in mathematics, Junction City.

Other Kansas State University placements included one student in the top 25 percent, one in the top 32 percent and four students in the top 45 percent.

Along with Ericson, team members and their individual placements include:

Max Goering, senior in mathematics, top 45 percent, McPherson.

From Overland Park: Dakota Bixler, senior in mathematics, top 25 percent; Vance Gaffar, senior in mathematics, top 32 percent; and Spencer Hobson-Guitierrez, senior in mathematics and physics, top 42 percent.

From out of state: Jonathan Stacks, senior in mathematics, top 45 percent, Lee's Summit, Mo.

From out of country: Yuan Yan, senior in mathematics, top 40 percent, Xiamen, China.